Butalbital/acetaminophen: Difference between revisions

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Fioricet and Esgic is made from a combination of butalbital (a barbiturate, 50 mg), acetaminophen (325 mg), and caffeine (40 mg). They are indicated for the treatment of tension headaches and muscle contraction headaches. Although not indicated, they are commonly used to treat migraines and other pain related ailments. However, Fioricet (and some other pain medications) are also implicated as causing repeat headaches with over-use.^[1]

Usage and dosage

Fioricet is indicated for the treatment of complex and muscle contraction headaches. It is also commonly prescribed for migraines although it is not FDA indicated for this use. The usual adult dose is 1-2 tablets every four hours as needed, not exceeding six tablets in a 24 hour period.^[2]^[3]

Mechanism of action

Butalbital has generalized depressant effect on central nervous system and, in very high doses, has peripheral effects. Acetaminophen has analgesic and antipyretic effects; its analgesic effects may be mediated through inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase enzyme complex. Caffeine is thought to produce constriction of cerebral blood vessels.

Butalbital has a half-life of about 35 hours. Acetaminophen has a half-life of about 1.25 to 3 hours, but may be increased by liver damage and after an overdose. Caffeine has a half-life of about 5 to 7 hours.^[4]

Side effects

Side effects for any drug are difficult to predict, but commonly reported side effects for Fioricet include:

(Rare side-effects include Stevens–Johnson syndrome, an adverse reaction to barbiturates.)

Variations

Phrenilin is an equivalent combination of butalbital and acetaminophen, without the caffeine (325/50).
Esgic Plus and Phrenilin Forte contains 500 and 650 miligrams of acetaminophen respectively, instead of 325 milligrams. Additionally, Esgic Plus contains 40 milligrams of caffeine.
Fiorinal contains aspirin instead of acetaminophen.
Fiorinal and Fioricet also come as combination drugs with codeine called Fiorinal with Codeine and Fioricet with Codeine, respectively, which add 30 milligrams of codeine phosphate to each mixture.

References

External links

Fioricet - drugs.com
Fiorinal & Fioricet - National Headache Foundation

[1] A Hidden Cause of Headache Pain - New York Times

[2] ttp://www.rxlist.com/fioricet-drug.htm

[3] ttp://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=4417

[4] ttp://www.webmd.com/balance/caffeine-myths-and-facts

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

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+[[Image:Fioricet.jpg|thumb|Generic Fioricet (50/40/325)|200px|right|Generic Fioricet (50/40/325)]]
-'''What is fioricet?'''
+'''Fioricet''' and '''Esgic''' is made from a combination of [[butalbital]] (a [[barbiturate]], 50&nbsp;mg), [[acetaminophen]] (325&nbsp;mg), and [[caffeine]] (40&nbsp;mg). They are indicated for the treatment of [[tension headaches]] and [[muscle contraction headaches]].  Although not indicated, they are commonly used to treat [[migraines]] and other [[pain]] related ailments. However, Fioricet (and some other pain medications) are also implicated as causing repeat headaches with over-use.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-headache-ess.html?em&ex=1193198400&en=dfc3130eb5b5dd12&ei=5087%0A A Hidden Cause of Headache Pain] - ''New York Times''</ref>
-Fioricet is a combination of analgesic, barbiturate, and stimulant used to treat tension headaches.
+==Usage and dosage==
-'''Does Fioricet have side effects?'''
+Fioricet is indicated for the treatment of complex  and [[muscle contraction headaches]].  It is also commonly prescribed for migraines although it is not FDA indicated for this use.  The usual adult dose is 1-2 tablets every four hours as needed, not exceeding six tablets in a 24 hour period.<ref>http://www.rxlist.com/fioricet-drug.htm</ref><ref>http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=4417</ref>
-Yes. They include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea. If they persist or are bothersome, consult with your doctor. If you experience other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or health care professional.
+==Mechanism of action==
-'''How safe is fioricet?'''
+Butalbital has generalized depressant effect on [[central nervous system]] and, in very high doses, has peripheral effects. Acetaminophen has [[analgesic]] and [[antipyretic]] effects; its analgesic effects may be mediated through inhibition of [[prostaglandin]] synthetase enzyme complex. Caffeine is thought to produce constriction of [[brain|cerebral]] [[blood vessels]].
-As with many prescription drugs, Fioricet can be potentialy harmful and must be used in accordance with the advice of your doctor. Fioricet may be harmful for people with certain conditions, or in combination with other drugs. This drug may also be habit forming. Provide your doctor with full details of your medical history and medications or substances you are currently taking.
+Butalbital has a half-life of about 35 hours. Acetaminophen has a half-life of about 1.25 to 3 hours, but may be increased by liver damage and after an overdose. Caffeine has a half-life of about 5 to 7 hours.<ref>http://www.webmd.com/balance/caffeine-myths-and-facts</ref>
-'''Where can I get more information on fioricet?'''
-You can find further information at www.fda.org and ww.drugs.com but ultimately your doctor is the best source of advice.
+==Side effects==
+Side effects for any drug are difficult to predict, but commonly reported side effects for Fioricet include:
+*[[Dizziness]]
+*[[Drowsiness]]
+*[[Substance intoxication|Intoxicated]] feeling
+*Light-headedness
+*[[Nausea]]
+*[[Vomiting]]
+*[[Sedation]]
+*[[Substance dependence]]
+*[[Shortness of breath]]
+*[[Abdominal pain]]
+(Rare side-effects include [[Stevens–Johnson syndrome]], an adverse reaction to barbiturates.)
+==Variations==
+*[[Phrenilin]] is an equivalent combination of [[butalbital]] and [[acetaminophen]], without the [[caffeine]] (325/50).
+*[[Esgic Plus]] and [[Phrenilin Forte]] contains 500  and 650 miligrams of acetaminophen respectively, instead of 325 milligrams.  Additionally, [[Esgic Plus]] contains 40 milligrams of [[caffeine]].
+*[[Fiorinal]] contains [[aspirin]] instead of [[acetaminophen]].
+*[[Fiorinal]] and Fioricet also come as combination drugs with [[codeine]] called Fiorinal with Codeine and Fioricet with Codeine, respectively, which add 30 milligrams of codeine phosphate to each mixture.
+==References==
+{{reflist}}
+== External links ==
+* [http://www.drugs.com/mtm/fioricet.html Fioricet] - drugs.com
+* [http://www.headaches.org/consumer/topicsheets/fiorinal_fioricet.html Fiorinal & Fioricet] - National Headache Foundation
+[[Category:Analgesics]]
+[[Category:Combination drugs]]